Fire extinguishing method and apparatus



Patented Aug. 29, 1944 FIRE Ex'rINGUrsmNG METHOD AND lAPPARATUS HildingrV. Williamson, Chicago, Ill., assignor, by

mesne assignments, to-Beconstrnction Finance Corporation, Chicago, lll.,a corporation o! the United States Application March 13, 1942, SerialNo. 434,556

31Claims.

E This invention relates to methods of discharging liquid carbon dioxidefor extinguishing iires and apparatus for carrying out said methods.

In my copending application, Serial No. 425,568, filed January 3, 1942,I have disclosed and claimed a method and apparatus for extinguishingoutdoor tires by the direct application of the extinguishing medium. Themethodv of the aforesaid `application has for its primary object toincrease the effectivev range and penetrating characteristics of adischarge of carbon dioxide by segregating or separating the snow andvapors and arranging these components, prior to being released to theatmosphere, so that the vapors of the discharge will act as a shield forthe snow to lessen the eiect of air resistance on the snow and to retardthe rate of snow sublimation.

The specific discharge devices illustrated in the aforesaid applicationfor carrying out the method are of the type that must be freely movableto extinguish a re which involves a relatively large area. That is tosay, the cross sectional dimensions of the discharged stream are suchthat only a relatively small eld of application, or area of directimpingement, of the extinguishing medium is provided for any givenposition of the discharge device. Therefore, when such a device isemployed forextinguishing a fire involving a large area, it must becapable of universal movement so that the field of application, or areaof direct impingement, will be caused to traverse the involved areathroughout both its length and its breadth. This kind of manipulationcan best be accomplished by attaching the discharge device to a playpipe that is connected to the end of a hose line for direct manipulationlby remen, or by attaching the device to a pipe which is connected tothe supply line by a suitable universal joint so that mechanicalactuating means may be employed.

There are certain types of hazards, however. which can be given moreeflicient fire protection if a method of and apparatus for effectingdischarge of liquid carbon dioxide is employed which provide a streamhaving a field of application, or area of direct impingement that islarge enough to permit the point of discharge to be xed relative to thehazard or to require the point of discharge to be moved to only alimited extent relative to the hazard. When these types of hazards arelocated out of doors where they may be subjected to high velocitynatural winds during a flre, or when other circumstances make suchrequirements necessary, itis essential that the discharged streampossess highly effective range and penetrating characteristics as wellas a. large field of I application of the extinguishing medium.

It is the primary object of this invention to provide a method of andapparatus for effecting discharge of liquid carbon dioxide in such amanner that the resultant stream of snow and vapors will possess highlyeffective range and penetrating characteristics as well as a large ieldof application or area of direct impingement.

Another important object of the invention is the production of adischarge stream of carbon dioxide snow and vapors which will beextremely eilective in extinguishing flres under diicult conditions ofapplication because of its abnormally large cross sectional area and thesegregation of the snow and vapor components in a stream of such largedimensions.

Other` objects and advantages'of the inventionv will be apparent duringthe course of the following description.

In the accompanying drawing forming a part of this specification and inwhich like numerals are employed to designate like parts throughout thesame,

Figure 1 is a front elevational view of one form of carbon dioxidedischarge apparatus embodying this invention,

Figure 2 is a fragmentary plan View, partly broken away, of thedischarge apparatus shown in Fig. 1,

Figure 3 is a transverse sectional view taken on .line 3--3 of Fig. 1,and

Figure 4 is a transverse sectional View of a modified form of carbondioxide discharge apparatus.

In the drawing, wherein for the purpose of illustration are shown thepreferred embodiments of this invention, and first particularlyreferring to Figs. l to 3 inclusive, the reference character 5designates a pipe which is employed for supplying the liquid carbondioxide to the discharge apparatus. senting the piping which leads fromthe discharge apparatus to the source of supply which may be either astorage container of the type disclosed `in Patent No. 2,143,311, issuedto Eric Geertz, in which the liquid carbon dioxide is maintained at aconstant subatmospheric temperature, and its corresponding vaporpressure, or a bank of cylinders, in which the liquid carbon dioxide isconned at the changing high vapor pressures which correspond with theprevailing temperatures of the surrounding atmosphere. While thedischarge apparatus embodying this invention can be made in suiiicientlysmall sizes to permit them to be employed on the ends of hose lines fordirect This pipe may be considered as repre,

manual manipulation, the full benefits to be de rived from dischargedevices of this character can best be obtained when the devices are madeof such sizes as will require them to be employed as a part of a fixedextinguishing system or to permit them to be mounted on some form oi'wheeled vehicle or carriage which is movable to permit the field ofapplication of the extinguishing medium to traverse the involved area.

This pipe section may be considered as constituting the stem or shank ofthe discharge device. It is threaded at 8 for connection with the propersupply line. The remaining end of the stem or shank is suitablyconnected to the right angularly arranged pipe section or manifold 'lthat extends in opposite directions. T- couplings 3 are threaded on theopposite ends of the manifold pipe 1 and the aligned branches of eachone of these couplings have threaded therein the apertured dischargepipes 9. By inspecting Fig. 1, it will be seen that four of thesedischarge pipes are provided and are arranged in parallel pairs onopposite sides of the manifold I and its couplings 8. Each one of thesedischarge pipes 9 is suitably closed at its outer end and is providedwith a longitudinally arranged series of apertures I0. These aperturesmay be spaced at suitable intervals and they will face in a generalrearward direction, rather than a forward direction.

Each one of these discharge pipes 5 is suitably arranged within amerging and segregating chamber I I. The chambers II for the oppositelydirected discharge pipes that are united to a single coupling 8communicate with each other at their inner ends so that they will ineffect constitute one long chamber. It will be seen from inspecting Fig.1, therefore, that there are really provided two merging and seg-vregating chambers which are'arranged in parallelism with each other andeach one of these two large chambers has arranged therein the twodischarge pipes 9 which are connected to the associated coupling 8. Theouter ends of the chambers Il are provided with closure walls I2.

Each one of these merging and segregating chambers II is provided with acurved rear wall I3 that is joined to the side walls I4. Each chamber isentirely open at its front, or opposite to its curved rear wall I3.'I'he discharge pipes 9 are disclosed as being welded at I5 to the outerside walls I4. The remaining or inner side walls of the parallelchambers bear against each otherand they may be directly connected ifdesired. By inspecting Fig. 3, it will be seen that the longitudinalseries of discharge apertures or orifices point or face toward the zonewhere its associated rear chamber wall I3 merges with the outer sidechamber wall.

To -provide the desired amount 4of rigidity or strength for thedischarge device, a pair of angle irons I6 is employed. These angleirons are welded together at I'l and to the outer surfaces of the rearwalls I3 of the chambers at I8. The pair of bracing angle irons has athree point engagement with its associated pair of chambers il as aresult of the contacting branches of the angle irons entering the valleythat is formed by the adjacent chamber walls. These angle irons :may becontinuous throughout the length of the discharge device and providedwith an opening for the passage of the stem or shank 5 or two pairs ofangle irons may be provided and arranged so that they will 4terminate attheir 7o innerends in contact with the stem or shank. As the use ofcontinuous angle irons will pro'- vide greater strength, this structureis preferred.

The mode of operation of this form of discharge apparatus or nozzle nowwill be described. Liquid carbon dioxide of any desired temperature willflow under its own vapor pressure through the bore of the stem or shankfrom the associated supply line or pipe, not shown. This liquid carbondioxide will pass into the manifold 1 and will flow in oppositedirections through this manifold into the T-couplings 8 from which itwill be delivered to the four discharge pipes 3. The liquid carbondioxide in the discharge pipes will be released to the interior of thechambers Il through the constricted orifices or apertures I0. Due to thesudden drop in pressure which occurs as a result of releasing the carbondioxide in this manner, the liquid will be converted to a mixture ofsnow particles and vapors. Each aperture or orifice I0 will provide aseparate Jet or stream of the carbon dioxide mixture. These jets orstreams will partake of straight line motion until their paths areobstructed by the inner surfaces of the chambers II. The curved surfaceof each chamber rear wall will cause the flowing mixtures of carbondioxide snow and vapors to be deflected so that the normal straight linemotion will be converted to a curvilinear motion. In addition topartaking of this curvilinear motion, the snow and vapors of the severalstreams or jets released into each one of the two long chambers will bepermitted to spread longitudinally of the chamber with the result thatthe various mixtures will merge to form a continuous mass equal inlength to each continuous or two-part chamber.

I pointed out in my aforementioned copending application that it is awell recognized law or principle of physics that any object or materialwhich is set in motion will travel in a straight line unless some forceis applied thereto which will deflect it from such a path of movement.

Additionally, the force required to deflect the 'object or material fromits straight line motion depends on the velocity and the mass or densityof the object or material being deflected.

The curved inner surfaces of the rear walls I3 of the chambers have beenreferred to above as functioning to accomplish this change in directionof motion of the released carbon dioxide snow and vapors. These curvedchamber wall surfaces, therefore, provide the opposing force referred toin the above noted principle of physics. As the carbon dioxide snow ofthe mixture is many times more dense than the carbon dioxide vapors, andas the velocity of both of these components is the same, the snow offersmore resistance to the deflecting force provided by the rear chamberwalls. The snow, therefore, will force its way to the outer side of thecurvilinear path of flow of the material with the result that it willdisplace the vapors, forcing them to seek a path of flow away from theinner surface of the chamber Wall. The difference in density of the snowas compared to the vapors, therefore, brings about a` segregation ofthese two components. That is to say, the snow will form a flowing layerin contact with the inner wall surface of the chamber while the vaporsform a superimposed layer spaced from the surface of the chamber wall.

In further explanation of this segregatlng action, it will be understoodthat this classifying or segregating of the snow and vapors will not becomplete for 'a small amount of vapors will be trapped by the snowparticles and be compelled to flow therewith while a certain minorportion of the lighter, smaller snow particles will be carried alongwith the vapors. Furthermore, there will be a merging or blendingzonevbetween the concentrated layer of snow and the displaced layer ofvapors. That is to say, the snow and vapors will not be sharply dennedinto two clearly distinguishable layers or strata so that these latterterms are not 100% correct. It is believed, however, that these termscan be employed to distinguish between the segregated snow and vaporcomponents by keeping the above explanation in mind.

The desired segregation of the snow and vapors is accomplished by thetime the discharge reaches the open front o! each chamber. The snowlayer will be adjacent the inner side wall Il while the vapor layer willbe arranged outwardly of the snow layer or adjacent the discharge pipes9. The final fire extinguishing stream will be formed by the segregateddischarges from the two full length, parallel chambers. The snow layersfrom the two charges will lie adjacent to each other and willimmediately merge. The vapor layers of the two discharges will belocated outwardly of the snow layers and Awill sandwich the snow layerstherebetween. It

will be appreciated, therefore, that the final discharge will consist ofa core that is formed by the two merged snow layers with the vaporlayers shielding the snow core from the atmosphere. This nal dischargestream will have a width which corresponds with the length of eachchamber while the depth or thickness of the stream will be approximatelyequal to the distance between the adjacent sides of the discharge pipes9.

The carbon dioxide discharge obtained by means of this apparatus hasbeen found to be extremely effective in combating outdoor fires that areburning in the presence of high velocity natural winds. Although thefield of application, or area of direct impingement, of the stream isvery large, the concentrating of the dense snow in the core of thestream and the shielding of this snow from the surrounding atmosphere bythe vapors makes it possible to project the stream a considerabledistance while maintaining an entirely effective extinguishingconcentration. One type of use for which this discharge device isparticularly adapted is the extinguishment of ground fires. When usedfor that purpose, the discharge device may be several feet in length andbe carried by a suitable form of wheeled vehicle, such as a crash truck.

There is one peculiar characteristic possessed by the discharge deviceof Figs. l to 3 inclusive which is believed to be worthy of specialmention. It was determined by actual tests that causing the dischargesfrom the two chambers to merge prior to reaching the open discharge sideof the apparatus materially reduced the effective range and caused thedischarge stream to spread very soon after leaving the device. In makingthis experiment, the two chambers were terminated on their adjacentsides approximately at the point where the two curved rear walls contacteach other. In other words, the two inner side walls i4 were omitted.The reduction in range and increase in spread of the final discharge ofthis type of structure. apparently was due to the fact that the flowingmaterial in the two chambers merged while traveling through twoconverging paths with the result that the two dense snow layersdeflected each other as a'result of the impact. By employing the twoinner side walls Il, the discharges from the two chambers are permittedto merge while traveling in the same direction and without anyappreciable amount of impact.

It will be appreciated that with certain forms of hazards it is notnecessary to shield both sides oi' the snow from the surroundingatmosphere. The discharge device may be so arranged with respect to suchhazards that the hazard itself will shield one side of the discharge. Itis not necessary in such cases to use the double chamber type ofapparatus. In other words, one of the chambers I i, and its associateddischarge pipes 9, may be dispensed with to provide a nai dischargewhich is made up of one layer of snow and one layer of vapors. The layerof snow in such a discharge will be presented to a suitable surface ofthe hazard while the layer of vapors will shield the snow from thesurrounding atmosphere.

Fig. 4 is presented with a double purpose in mind. First, it discloses asingle chamber type of discharge apparatus. Secondly, two structures ofthe type shown in Fig. 4 may be assembled in the manner illustrated inFigs. 1 to 3 inclusive for producing a double chamber type of device.This Fig. 4 apparatus includes a chamber i9 that is formed with a curvedwall 70 which is more than 270 of a circle when viewed in cross section.This chamber terminates in a discharge l lip or side wall 2l that istangentially arranged or thickness ofthe discharge opening.

structure of Fig. 4, a relatively narrow discharge with respect to theremaining wall portion. The apertured discharge pipe 2Lis attached tothe chamber wall 20 adjacent its longitudinal edge 23. The dischargeorifices or apertures 24 may bearranged so that projections of the samewill intersect the curved wall 20 at any desired point. This point ofintersection will depend on the degree of segregation of the snow andvapors that is desired. The greater the length of the curved paththrough which the discharged snow and vapors pass, the greater thedegree of segregation of these two components. It will be appreciated,therefore, that the apertures 24 of this discharge device may bearranged so that the released snow and vapors will be compelled totravel a longer curvilinear path than is possible to provide with thechambers Il of Figs. 1 to 3 inclusive.

Another distinction between the chamber structure of Fig. 4 and thechamber structure of Figs. 1 to 3 inclusive is the difference in thedepth In the 25 is provided. With this type of discharge, the resultantstream will be more condensed and will posses a relatively highvelocity. With the chamber structure of Figs. 1 to3 inclusive, thedischarge opening is formed by the inner side of the discharge pipe 9and the opposing side wall i4 of the chamber. Therefore, for the samerate and volume of discharge, the velocity of the resultant stream willbe less than that of the Fig. 4 apparatus. Except for thesedistinctions, the discharge device of Fig. 4 will operate in the samemanner as the discharge device of Figs. 1 to 3 inclusive.

It is to be understood that the forms of this invention herewith shownand described are to be taken as preferred examples of the same, andthat various changes in the shape, size, and arrangement of parts may beresorted to without departing from the spirit of the invention or thescope of the subjoined claims.

Having thus described the invention, I claim:

l. A method of discharging liquid carbon dioxide for fire extinguishingpurposes, comprising conducting the liquid to a relatively long regionof release, discharging the liquid through a plurality of constrictedorifices arranged along said region to permit sudden expansion o! theliquid to eilect its conversion into snow and vapors, maintaining theflowing snow and vapors in confinement until they merge along the lengthof said region, causing the snow and vapors to partake of curvilinearmotion while thus confined so that the diflerence in density of the snowand vapors will effect segregation of these components, and finallydischarging to the atmosphere along the length of said region the thussegregated snow and vapors.

2. A method of discharging liquid carbon dioxide for fire extinguishingpurposes, comprising conducting the liquid to an elongated region ofrelease, discharging the liquid through a plurality of constrictedoriflces arranged along said region to permit sudden expansion of theliquid to effect its conversion into streams of snow and vapors,uniformly deecting the'flowing snow and vapor streams from their normalstraight line path of movement while allowing them to merge lengthwiseof said region, continuing the deflection oi the flowing snow and vaporsuntil the dif` ference in density of the snow and the vapors haseffected a substantial segregation of components, and finallydischarging to the atmosphere along the length of said region thesegregated snow and vapors as a single stream having a considerablygreater width than thickness.

3. A method of' discharging liquid carbon dioxide for fire extinguishingpurposes. comprising conducting the liquid to an elongated region ofrelease, discharging the liquid at said region through a plurality ofspaced constricted orifices into a chamber that extends lengthwise ofsaid region to permit sudden expansion of the liquid to effect itsconversion into streams of snow and vapors, causing the flowing streamsof snow and vapors to merge and to partake of curvilinear' motion whileflowing through the chamber to effect substantial segregation of thesnow and vapors, and finally discharging to the atmosphere throughoutthe length of said chamber the segregated snow and vapors as a singlestream.

4. A method of discharging liquid carbon dioxide for fire extinguishingpurposes, comprising conducting the liquid to a relatively long regionof release, discharging the liquid through a piurality of constrictedorifices arranged along said region to permit sudden expansion of theliquid to effect its conversion into snow and vapors, maintaining theflowing snow and vapors in confinement until they merge along the lengthof said region, causing the snow and vapors to partake of curvilinearmotion while thus confined so that the difference in density of the snowand the vapors will effect segregation of these components, and finallydischarging the segregated snow and vapors to the atmosphere in the formof a relatively thin stream having a width substantially correspondingto the length of said region.

5. A method of discharging liquid carbon dioxide for fire extinguishingpurposes, comprising conducting the liquid to a relatively long regionof release, discharging the liquid through a plurality of constrictedorifices arranged along said region to permit sudden expansion of theliquid to effect its conversion into snow and vapors, maintaining theflowing snow and vapors in confinement until they merge along the lengthof said region, causing the snow and vapors to partake oi' curvilinearmotion while thus conned so that the dierence in density of the snow andthe vapors will effect segregation oi' these components, and finallydischarging the segregated snow and vapors to the atmosphere in the formof a stream having a width substantially corresponding to the length ofsaid region and with the snow and vapor layers collectively providingthe stream thickness.

6. A method of discharging liquid carbon diox ide for fire extinguishingpurposes, comprising conducting the liquid to a relatively long regionof release, discharging the liquid through a plurality of constrictedorifices arranged along said region to permit sudden expansion of theliquid to effect its conversion into snow and vapors, maintaining theowing snow and vapors in confinement until they merge along the lengthoi the said region, causing the snow and vapors to partake ofcurvilinear motion while thus confined so that the difierence in densityof the snow and the vapors will effect segregation of these components,and finally discharging the segregated snow and vapors to the atmospherein the form of a stream having a width substantially correspending tothe length of said region and with tne snow layer defining one surfaceof the stream while the vapor Ilayer defines the other surface.

v. A method of discharging liquid carbon dioxide f'or fireAextinguishing purposes, comprising conducting the liquid to arelatively long region of release, discharging the liquid through aplurality of constricted orifices arranged along said region to permitsudden expansion of the liquid to effect its conversion into snow andvapors. maintaining the flowing snow and vapors in confinement untilthey merge along the length o! said region, causing the snow and vaporsto partake of curvilinear motion while thus confined so that thedifference in density of the snow and the vapors will effect segregationof these components, and finally discharging the segregated snow andvapors to the atmosphere in the form o1 a stream having a widthsubstantially corresponding to the length of said region and with thesnow and vapor layers arranged in the stream so that the vapors willshield the snow from the surrounding atmosphere.

8. A method of discharging liquid carbon dioxide for fire extinguishingpurposes, comprising conducting the liquid to an elongated region of vrelease, discharging the liquid through a plurality of constrictedorifices arranged along said region to permit sudden expansion of theliquid to effect its conversion into streams of snow and vapors,uniformly deflecting the flowing snow and vapor streams from theirnormal straight line paths of movement while allowing them to.

merge lengthwise of said region; continuing the deflection of theflowing snow and vapors until the difference in density of the snow andthe to permit sudden expansion of the liquid to eilect its conversioninto streams oi snow and vapors, uniformly detiecting the flowing snowand vapor streams from their normal straight line paths ot movementwhile allowing them to merge lengthwise of said region, continuing thedeilection of the nowing snow and vapors until the difference in densityoi the snow and the vapors has eiiected a substantial segregation ofthese components. and ilnally discharging the segregated snow and vaporsto the atmosphere in the form ot a stream having a width substantiallycorresponding to the length of said region and with the snow layerdefining one surface of the stream while the vapor layer deiines theother surface.

l0. A method of discharging liquid carbon dioxide for fire extinguishingpurposes, comprising conducting the liquid to an elongated region ofrelease, discharging the liquid through a plurality o! constrictedorifices arranged along said region to permit sudden expansion oi theliquid to effect its conversion into streams of snow and vapors,uniformly deiiecting the owing snow and vapor streams from their normalstraight line paths of movement while allowing them to merge lengthwiseof said region, continuing the deflection of the flowing snow and vaporsuntil the difference in density of the snow and vapors has effected asubstantial segregation oi' these components, and ilnally dischargingthe segregated snow and vapors to the atmosphere in the iorm of a streamhaving a width substantially corresponding to the length of said regionwith the snow and vapor layers arranged in the stream so that the vaporswill shield the snow from the atmosphere.

11. A method of discharging liquid carbon dioxide for rire extinguishingpurposes, comprising conducting the liquid to an elongated region ofrelease, discharging the liquid at said region through a plurality ofspaced constricted orifices into a chamber that extends lengthwise ofsaid region to permit sudden expansion of the liquid to effect itsconversion into streams oi, snow and vapors, causing the ilowing streamsof snow and vapors to merge andto partake of curvilinear motion whileflowing through the chamber to effect substantial segregation of thesnow and vapors, and finally discharging to the atmosphere throughoutthe length of said chamber the segregated snow and vapors as a singlestream with the snow and vapor layers collectively providing the streamthickness.

l2. A method of discharging liquid carbon dioxide for fire extinguishingpurposes, comprising conducting the liquid to an elongated region ofrelease, discharging the liquid at said region through a plurality -ofspaced constricted orifices into a. chamber that extends lengthwise ofsaid region to permit sudden expansion of the liquid to effect itsconversion into streams of snow and vapors, causing the flowing streamsof snow and vapors to merge and to partake of curvilinear motion whileflowing through the chamber to effect substantial segregation of thesnow and vapors, and finally discharging to the atmosphere throughoutthe length of said chamber the segregated snow and vapors as a singlestream with snow and vapor layers respectively defining opposite outersurfaces of the stream.

13. A method of discharging liquid carbon dioxide ior fire extinguishingpurposes, comprising conducting the liquid through spaced parallel flowpaths extending longitudinally of a relatively long region of release,discharging the liquid through a plurality of constricted orificesarranged along each iiow path to permit sudden expansion of the liquidto eilect its conversion into snow and vapors. maintaining the ilowingsnow and vapors for each tiow path in a separate zone of confinementuntil they merge lengthwise,

of their zone. causing the snow and vapors in each zone to partake oicurvilinear motion while thus confined so that the difference in densityof the snow and vapors will effect segregation of these components, andinally discharging to the atmosphere from said zones their segregatedsnow and vapors as a merged composite stream.

14. A method of discharging liquid carbon dioxide ior fire extinguishingpurposes, comprising conducting the liquid through spaced parallel flowpaths extending longitudinally oi a relatively long region of release,discharging the liquid through a plurality of constricted orificesarranged along each flow path to permit sudden expansion of the liquidto eilect its conversion into snow and vapors, maintaining the iiowingsnow and vapors for each ilow path in a separate zone of connement untilthey merge lengthwise of their zone, causing the snow and vapors in eachzone to partake of curvilinear motion while thus conned so that thediierence in density of the snow and vapors will eiect segregation ofthese components, and lihally discharging to the atmosphere from saidzones their segregated snow and vapors as a merged composite streamhaving a width substantially corresponding to the length of said regionand with the snow and vapor layers collectively providing the streamthickness.

l5. A method o1 discharging liquid carbon dioxide for fire extinguishingpurposes, comprising conducting the liquid through spaced parallel flowpaths extending longitudinally of a relatively long region of release,discharging the liquid through a plurality of constricted oricesarranged along each ilow path to permit sudden expansion of the liquidto effect its conversion into snow and vapors, maintaining the flowingsnow and vapors for each flow path in a separate zone of confinementuntil they merge lengthwise of their zone, causing the snow and vaporsin each zone to partake oi curvilinear motion while thus coniined sothat the difference in density oi' the snow and vapors will eiectsegregation of these components, and finally discharging to theatmosphere from said zones their segregated snow and vapors as a mergedcomposite stream having a width substantially corresponding to thelength of said region and with the layers of the segregated snow andvapors arranged in the stream so that the vapors will shield the snowfrom the surrounding atmosphere.

16. A method of discharging liquid carbon dioxide for lire extinguishingpurposes, comprising effecting sudden release of the liquid to lower itspressure suiiciently to form snow land vapors, flowing said snow andvapors along a curvilinear path arranged transversely of an elongateddischarge zone to effect segregation of these components, and formingthe snow and vapor layers resulting from said segregation into a streamby discharging the same from the zone with the width of the streamsubstantially corresponding to the length of the discharge zone and withthe snow and vapor layers collectively providing the stream thickness.

17. Fire extinguishing apparatus for discharging liquid carbon dioxide,comprising an elongated chamber having a discharge opening extending thelength thereof and a transversely curved wall lying opposite saidopening, and means for releasing into said chamber a plurality oflongitudinally spaced Jets of carbon dioxide snow and vapors with thejets so directed that the snow -and vapors will be caused to ilow oversaid curved wall in reaching the discharge opening whereby the snow andvapors will be segregated into different portions of the streamdischarged through the chamber opening.

18. Fire extinguishing apparatus for discharging liquid carbon dioxide,comprising an elongated chamber having a discharge opening extending thelength thereof and a transversely curved wall lying opposite saidopening, and a discharge pipe extending the length oi' said chamber andhaving a plurality of longitudinally spaced orifices through whichliquid carbon dioxide is released to convert it to snow and vapors, saiddischarge orifices being so arranged that `the snow and vapors will becaused to ilow over said curved Wall in reaching the discharge openingwhereby the snow and vapors will be segregated into different portionsof the stream discharged through the chamber opening.

19. Fire extinguishing apparatus for discharging liquid carbon dioxide,comprising two parallel elongated chambers arranged adjacent each other,each one of said chambers having a discharge opening extending thelength thereof and a transversely curved wall lying opposite saidopening, and means in each chamber for releasing a plurality oflongitudinally spaced Jets of carbon dioxide snow and vapors with thejets so directed that the snow and vapors will be caused to now oversaid curved Awall in reaching the discharge opening whereby the snow andvapors will be segregated into diiierent portions of the dischargesthrough the chamber openings.

20. Fire extinguishing apparatus for discharging liquid carbon dioxide,comprising two parallel elongated. chambers arranged in contact vaporcomponents into a stream having a width substantially corresponding withthe length o! the elongated discharge zone and with the segregated snowdefining one surface of the stream Y while the segregated vapors dennethe other snrtace.

23. A method of discharging liquid carbon dioxide ior nre extinguishingpurposes, comprising eiiecting sudden release o! the liquid to lower itspressure sumciently to form snow and vapors, flowing said snow andvapors along a curvilinear path arranged to terminate in an elongateddischarge zone to effect segregation oi' these oomponents, and formingthe segregated snow and vapor components into a stream having a widthsubstantially corresponding to the length of the elongated dischargezone andy with the snow and vapor segregations arranged in the stream sothat the vapors will shield the snow from the surrounding atmosphere.

24. A method of discharging liquid carbon dioxide for fire extinguishingpurposes, comprising effecting sudden release 4of the liquid to lowerits pressure sufliciently to form snow and vapors, flowing said snow andvapors along parallel curvilinear paths arranged to terminate in anelongated discharge zone to eil'ect segregation oi' these with eachother, said chambers having closely positioned openings extending thelength thereof with each chamber having a transversely curved wall lyingopposite its opening, and a discharge vpipe extending lengthwise oi eachchamber adjacent its outerside and having a plurality oi longitudinallyspaced orifices through which liquid carbon dioxide is released toconvert it to snow and vapors, said pipe oriilces being so directed thatthe snow and vapors will be caused to ilow over said curved walls inreaching the discharge openings of the chambers whereby the snow andvapors will be segregated into diilerent portions of the dischargesthrough the chamber openings.

21. A method of discharging liquid carbon dioxide for lire extinguishingpurposes, comprising eiecting sudden release of the liquid to lower itspressure suiiiciently to form snow and vapors, flowing said snow andvapors along a curvilinear path arranged to terminate in an elongateddischarge zone to effect segregation of these components, and formingthe segregated snow and vapor components into a stream discharging fromthe entire length of the elongated discharge zone.

22. A .method of discharging liquid carbon dioxide for flreextinguishing purposes, comprising effecting sudden release of theliquid to lower its pressure suiilciently to form snow and vapors,flowing said snow and vapors along a curvilinear path arranged toterminate in an elongated discharge zone to eflect segregation of thesecomponents, and forming the segregated snow and components as a resultof their diirerence in density, and forming the segregated snow andvapor components of said parallel paths into a single stream dischargingfrom the entire length of the elongated discharge zone.

25. A method of discharging liquid carbon dioxide for iire extinguishingpurposes, comprising effecting sudden release of the liquid to lower itspressure suiiciently to form snow and vapors, flowing said snow andvapors along parallelv curvilinear paths arranged to terminate in anelongated discharge zone to eiiect segregation of these components as aresult oi their diilerence in density, and forming the segregated snowand vapor components of said parallel paths into a single stream havinga greater width than thick- `Vapor components of said parallel pathsinto a single stream having a width substantially corresponding to thelength of the elongated discharge zone and with the snow and vaporsegregatons collectively providing the stream thickness.

27. A method of discharging liquid carbon dioxide for re extinguishingpurposes, comprising effecting sudden release of the liquid to lower itspressure sufliciently to form snow and vapors, flowing said snow andvapors along parallel curvilinear paths arranged to terminate in anelongated discharge zone to effect segregation of these components as aresult of their diiierence in density, and forming the segregated snowand vapor components of said parallel paths into a single stream havinga width substantially corresponding to the length of the elongateddischarge zone and with the snow and vapor segregations so arranged inthe stream that the vapors will shield the snow from the surroundingatmos- 28. Fire extinguishing apparatus for discharging liquid carbondioxide, comprising an elongated chamber having a discharge openingextending the length thereof and a transversely curved Wall lyingopposite said opening, and means for releasing into the length of saidchamber carbon dioxide snow and vapors in sucha manner as to causethesnow and vapors to flow over said curved Wall in reaching the dischargeopening whereby the Snow and vapors will be segregated into differentportions of the stream discharged through the chamber opening. 29. Fireextinguishing apparatus for discharging liquid carbon dioxide,,comprising parallel elongated chambers arranged adjacent each other,each of sadchambers having a discharge opening extending the lengththereof and a transversely curved wall lying opposite said opening, andmeans in each chamber for releasing into the length thereof carbondioxide snow and vapors in such a manner as to cause the snow and vaporsto flow over said curved wall in reaching the discharge opening wherebythe snow and vapors of each chamber will be segregated into diierentportions of the stream discharging through the chamber opening.

30. Fire extinguishing apparatus, comprising means for releasing liquidcarbon dioxide to produce a mixed snow and vapor flow of elongated shapein cross section, means for causing the snow and vapor of the ow totravel a curvilinear path of sufcient length to eiect substantialsegregation of the snow and vapor components, and means for effectingdischarge of the snow and vapor components to the atmosphere in theirsegregated condition and as a stream of elongated cross section.

31. Fire extinguishing apparatus, comprising means for releasing liquidcarbon dioxide to produce mixed snow and vapor and form it into twoparallel ows each of which is of relongated shape in cross section,means for causing the snow and vapor of each flow to travel acurvilinear path of suil'icient length to eifect substantial segregationof the snow and Vapor components, and means for eiecting discharge ofthe snow and vapor components of both ows to the atmosphere in theirsegregated conditions but as a single stream of elongated cross section.

HILDING V. WILLIAMSON.

